Out of the Rain

I'm just waiting out the rain in the Air and Space Museum food court. I wish I had something more exciting to report. I've decided to stay in DC one more night than originally planned. Which means two more nights then I'll be heading to New York.

Guess What I Just Got!

My phone rang when I was walking by the Environmental Protection Agency building. It was the Late Show with David Letterman offering me a ticket!  I'll be in the audience on Monday's show! This was the fifth time I put in a request, but was never able to go when they called. It has been on my list for 15 years, now I'll finally be able to cross it off.

Smithsonian

I will need more than the day to see everything I want to see. Might stay another day in DC.

Hostelling International

I'm in bed 6. It's getting late, almost 2 AM. I'm in a lounge area of Hosteling International uploading my photos. Music from all over the world is playing through overhead speakers. Every voice I hear has a different accent. I think I could get used to this.

Hostels aren't for everyone. And I'd actually prefer a private hotel room, but when I think of it in terms of how many hours I'd have to work to pay for the additional cost of a hotel in DC, it's totally worth it. Even though I was nearly scalded in the fourth floor shower, and even though when I got back to my room the card wouldn't let me in, it is still better than working two days to pay for one night in a DC hotel. I'd rather spend that time walking around DC, which I did. Plus, there's free coffee to keep me awake long enough to upload all my photos.

Well, it's time for me to go to bed. Happy to say my first day was a success! Now to study these photos closely, so I can maneuver in the dark room when I head up to bed in a few minutes. Wish me luck.


Quick Lunch

I had big plans when entering the Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Big sub, bowl of hot soup, a cold drink, followed by a large chocolate malt. All they had left was the sandwich and drink. My dreams were crushed, I must pick up the pieces and find a chocolate malt tomorrow. I must.

The sandwich was good though.

Washington Monument


Didn't get to see the reflecting pool, but how many people get to see the bottom of it?  Yeah, I can't convince myself that that is better either.

The White House

I can't get very close to the White House. It's blocked off. Looks like some kind of party taking place out front. Obama will be so embarrassed when he finds out I know he threw a party and didn't invite me.

Almost to DC

I'm almost to DC, but out of cell range, so I may be there by the time you see this. The view from my window has been great. I've been staring at Pennsylvania's forests and rivers all morning. I can't help but think about how the next time I enter this state, a couple months from now, I will be on foot.

On the Train

I'm on a train heading to DC, the first stop on my way to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It arrived an hour late, but I don't mind. I don't have to be up early for work or anything.

The train sounds like an old squeaky washing machine with an unbalanced load, but it's relaxing.

The moon is full. It is traveling alongside us as though tethered from a balloon string. A dark silhouette of trees, rooftops, and telephone lines glide by in between. We just passed a large junkyard. The moonlight reflects off the sea of car hoods in a way that makes them no longer junk.

Trains are a great way to travel if you have the time. Luckily thats one thing I do have.

A woman named Sheila sat next to me. She said she was tired, but wouldn't be able to fall asleep until she was home in her own bed with her husband. Although, it wasn't long before she and everyone else was passed out.

"Is that the wheels?" Sheila mumbled with her eyes shut. "Just get me home Charlie Brown." I think she's talking in her sleep.

I think I'll join them. Goodnight everyone. I'll update soon.

The Before Picture

About 200 lbs., optimistic, and completely sane. Now we wait to see if any of that changes after a couple thousand miles on the Appalachian Trail.